[ AREA HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK ]

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Aug 31, 2000 by Capital-Journal

AREA HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Burlingame

Volleyball --- Four returning starters have Burlingame optimistic that it can improve on its 3-17 mark, despite losing its season- opening matches Tuesday to Gridley and Hartord. The Bearcats have a new coach, Brandon Reith, who shares the optimism. Senior middle hitters Bridget Noonan and Tara Parker lead the returning players.

Holton

Cross country --- State-qualifier Chris Schuetz is one of three returning runners for the Wildcat boys' cross country team. Erik Frahm was 15th at regionals and coach Don Swisher will call upon a pair of foreign exchange students to round out the team.

The girls' squad has plenty of numbers with 28 sophomores, juniors and seniors out.

Volleyball --- Holton went 18-9 last year and has three starters back. Senior middle hitter Erin Ludvicek (5-11) pounded out 204 kills and added 130 blocks, leading the team last year. Senior setter Amy Coverdale (5-6) dished out 574 assists and senior Erin Morris (5-7) picked up 214 digs. The Wildcats open the season Friday at home against Mt. St. Scholastica and Sabetha.

Jackson Heights

Cross country --- Heights' boys cross country team returns all but its top runner from last year's Delaware Valley and Class 2-1A Regional champion. The Cobras placed fifth at state and should challenge again this year. Seniors Mitch Bagby, Paul Koci and Chris Holliday --- the team's Nos. 2, 3 and 4 runners last year --- were all-league runners and lead the cast of returnees.

The girls' squad is in rebuilding mode, returning just junior Rebecca Schirmer.

Volleyball --- The Cobras return six players with starting experience as they try to return to past winning ways after going 13- 19 last year. Sophomore middle hitter Kyli Hufford led Heights in both kills and blocks last year and junior setter Alison Roush was second on the team in assists.

Jefferson West

Golf --- Coach Larry Kennedy thinks he has one of his best teams in the makings, led by returning 4A State qualifier Rachel Reynoldson. Reynoldson took seventh at the Aug. 24 Rock Creek Invitational, helping the Tigers to a fourth-place finish in the four- person division. Senior Amanda Galle is a three-year letterwinner. The squad was to have held a tournament Monday, but it was postponed until Sept. 18 because of the heat.

Volleyball --- The Tigers won't begin play until Sept. 7 when it travels to ACCHS.

Lyndon

Cross country --- Lyndon has one of the top cross country runners in Class 3A in junior Desiraye Osburn. She'll have company with her freshman sister, Paige, now joining her. The Tigers could be a surprise team in the class.

Marais des Cygnes Valley

Volleyball --- The Trojans enjoyed one of their best showings at the Osage City Invitational, placing third. MdCV went 2-1 in pool play and fell to eventual champ Osage City in the semifinals before beating Northern Heights for third. Trojans Melissa Scheele and Kristen Lichtenauer were named all-tourney.

Mission Valley

Cross country --- The Vikings begin their season Friday when they host the Mission Valley Invitational. The girls' squad took fourth at the Class 3A State Championships last year and returns everyone. Junior Blair Spencer was easily the team's best runner last year, clocking a season-best of 11:43. Tina Todd is the only senior on the team, giving the Vikings promise for 2001 as well.

The boys' squad lost three of its top five runners from a team that took eighth at state last year. Senior Chris Patrick was the top runner last year and is one of three seniors. Two sophomores round out the top five, while four freshmen are expected to contribute.

Volleyball --- Mission Valley freshman Ashley Paletta and junior Lacey Childers were picked to the all-tournament team at the Osage City Invitational after helping the Vikings to a 1-2 record. The Vikings were swept by Silver Lake in Tuesday's Mid-East League opener.

Osage City

Golf --- The Indians also enjoyed a banner season a year ago, taking first in two meets, second in six more and placing ninth at the Class 4-3-2-1A State Tournament. They opened their season Aug. 24 by winning the four-player division of the Rock Creek Invitational. Lindsay Bond was eighth overall with a 50, while freshman Ashley Brown took 10th in her debut, also with a 50.

Volleyball --- Coming off a 21-12 season, the Indian volleyball team is already off to a hot start to the 2000 season. The Indians played ungracious hosts at the Osage City Invitational last weekend, going 5-0 to win the title. After handling MdCV in the semifinals (15- 9, 15-5), Osage topped Blue Valley-Randolph 16-14, 15-7 in the championship match.

Seniors Amie Haskins and Shannon Sebring, All-Mid-East League picks for the Indians a year ago, were all-tournament selections for the Indians.

The Indians improved to 7-0 Tuesday with a home sweep of Riley County to begin MEL play.

Osage returns five starters from last year's team, and received a boost when middle hitter Amanda Vaughn transferred in from defending Class 4A champion Santa Fe Trail.

Rossville